
Hosted by Joe Kelley | Musicians Reveal Podcast · EN

In this rare 2004 archive interview, legendary drummer John Blackwell discusses the loss of his daughter Jia, the creation of the Jia Kennie Blackwell Memorial Scholarship, and the support he received from Prince, Larry Graham, family and friends during one of the most difficult periods of his life.Blackwell also reflects on:Prince and the Musicology TourThe New Power GenerationThe Rainbow ChildrenBerklee College of MusicLive music vs technologyPerforming with purposeCreating "A Song For Jia"A deeply personal conversation with one of the most beloved drummers of his generation.Originally broadcast in December 2004.Hosted by Joe Kelley.

For more than four decades, Joe Kelley has interviewed the musicians behind some of the most influential music ever created. In this special roundtable edition of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, six legendary members of the Minneapolis music community come together to celebrate the legacy, history, and future of the Minneapolis Sound.Joining Joe are St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Dr. Fink, Elisa Fiorillo, Kirk Johnson, and Jason Peterson DeLaire.Together, they share stories from the road, memories of performing with Prince, reflections on the Minneapolis music scene, favorite cities to play, the enduring influence of the Twin Cities sound, and the mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars to keep that legacy alive for future generations. The group represents artists who helped shape the Minneapolis Sound through their work with Prince, The Time, The Family, the New Power Generation, and countless legendary recordings and tours. In This Episode• The origins and mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Life on the road with Prince and related projects • Favorite cities and audiences around the world • Memories of Jellybean Johnson and the Minneapolis music family • Stories from Paisley Park and Purple Rain-era musicians • The lasting impact of the Minneapolis Sound • Keeping funk, soul, and live musicianship aliveWhether you're a Prince fan, a student of music history, or simply love hearing great stories from legendary musicians, this conversation offers a rare gathering of artists who lived and helped create one of music's most influential scenes.Featured Guests• St. Paul Peterson – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Dr. Fink – Prince & The Revolution, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Kirk Johnson – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Elisa Fiorillo – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jerome Benton – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jason Peterson DeLaire – Minneapolis Funk All-Stars

Author, roller skating legend, community leader, and creator of the Rollo Shuffle, Kenny "Rollo" Davis joins Joe Kelley to discuss growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the influence of Challenger astronaut Ronald McNair, overcoming addiction, recovery, family, faith, and the inspiring journey detailed in his book Life At The End Of The Tunnel.

Recorded just days after the passing of James Brown in January 2007, legendary tour manager Alan Leeds joined Joe Kelley for an emotional tribute to the Godfather of Soul.Leeds shares memories from his years working alongside James Brown, discusses Brown’s final days, reflects on his influence on Prince and funk music, and tells remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from music history.A powerful archive conversation from the historic Upper Room with Joe Kelley radio show.

Son Of Pearl joins Joe Kelley to discuss the influence of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, funk musicianship, groove, creativity, and carving out an authentic musical identity. From eclectic funk roots to modern artistry, this conversation explores the lasting impact of one of music’s most influential eras.Hosted by Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, long before podcasts existed.#Prince #SonOfPearl #MinneapolisSound #FunkMusic #MusiciansReveal

Singer-songwriter and global recording artist Jann Klose joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his upcoming album Future Trap, songwriting, Broadway, Prince, vinyl culture, and the evolving music industry.In this wide-ranging conversation, Jann reflects on growing up between Germany, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States before building his career in New York City. He also shares stories about performing in The Who’s Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar, Questlove’s legendary Prince DJ sets, AI in music, and why originality still matters in modern artistry.A thoughtful conversation about creativity, musicianship, and surviving today’s music landscape.

From the Musicians Reveal vault: a rare 2001 conversation with Dr. Fink of Prince & The Revolution.Long before podcasts existed, Joe Kelley was interviewing the artists, musicians, and creative minds behind some of music’s most legendary recordings and performances.In this radio archive interview, Dr. Fink reflects on music, performance, creativity, and his experiences during one of the most influential eras in modern music history.On air since 1982.#drfink #prince #therevolution #funk #musiciansreveal

Author, DJ, educator, and music historian Amani Roberts joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about the power, passion, and lasting impact of legendary R&B groups.Amani discusses his new book The Quiet Storm: A Historical & Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion & Pain of R&B Groups, exploring the stories behind iconic acts including New Edition, The Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Parliament Funkadelic, Atlantic Starr, Tony! Toni! Toné!, The Commodores, Sly & The Family Stone, and many more.The conversation also dives into:The rise and decline of R&B groupsThe Telecommunications Act of 1996Quiet Storm radio historyMusic industry politicsRecord deals and artist educationDJ culture and classic soul musicLegendary concerts and live performancesThe evolution of modern R&BAmani also reflects on growing up in the DMV music scene, discovering New Edition, the influence of Bell Biv DeVoe, and why classic R&B groups still shape music today.🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been on air since 1982 — long before podcasts existed — featuring legendary funk, R&B, soul, and Prince-associated artists.

In this rare 2014 radio archive interview, Elisa Fiorillo of Prince & The NPG joins Joe Kelley alongside guitarist Tyler Reese to discuss their Dease & Reese project Life In 20, working with Prince, touring, songwriting, Berklee College of Music, Pat Metheny, and balancing life on and off the stage.Elisa shares stories about rehearsing with Prince, performing with Shelby J and Liv Warfield, and the pressures of being part of the NPG, while Tyler discusses his musical journey and guitar influences.Originally aired on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley.

On air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.Legendary wardrobe stylist Abby Franklin joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share unforgettable stories from inside the worlds of Prince, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Drake, Katy Perry, and more.Abby reflects on working alongside Prince for over a decade—from Musicology and One Nite Alone to the legendary 21 Nights in London residency and Welcome 2 America.She shares rare behind-the-scenes stories about:Meeting Prince for the first timeCreating last-minute wardrobe looks under pressurePrince’s creative genius and perfectionismMusicology tour memoriesDressing room culture backstageMichael Jackson rehearsals for This Is ItThe reality of touring lifePaisley Park memories and the vaultOne of the most revealing and entertaining conversations yet on Musicians Reveal.🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley On air since 1982.